(rshsdepot) Niagara Falls, NY

[I95BERNIEW_@_aol.com]

From the Niagara Gazette.
 
Bernie Wagenblast
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 
 
NIAGARA FALLS: Train station plan picks up steam 
Construction may start this year on historic Customs HouseBy Mark Scheer
_E-mail  Mark_ (mailto:scheerm_@_gnnewspaper.com) 
Niagara Gazette
Backing from a federal transportation agency may finally allow  construction 
to begin on a long-stalled train station project in Niagara Falls.  

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-New York, and U.S. Rep. Louise Slaughter,  
D-Fairport, announced Tuesday that after years of delay the Federal Highway  
Admininstration has agreed to expedite final approval for the relocation of the  city
’s existing Amtrak passenger terminal off Lockport Road to the historic U.S.  
Customs House on Whirlpool Street at the foot of Ontario Avenue. 

Both  lawmakers said help from the agency will allow federal funds earmarked 
for the  project to flow, making it likely that construction on the new $23 
million  station will begin before the end of the year. 

“While the city has been  proactive in planning a new station and securing 
federal support, the FHWA has  done nothing but stand in the way,” Schumer said. 
“It is terrific that they have  finally agreed to get the ball rolling and I 
am committed to making sure this  crucial revitalization project breaks ground 
as soon as possible.”  

Schumer helped secure $2.4 million in federal funds for the project as  part 
of the 2004 U.S. Department of Transportation Bill, while Slaughter helped  
bring in another $4.8 million in federal funding back in 2005. Both lawmakers  
said the money had yet to be released for the project due to the “bureaucratic  
delays” and “red tape,” caused in large part by the Federal Highway  
Administration. With the agency finally on board, Schumer and Slaughter said the  
funds will soon begin to flow to Niagara Falls where they belong. 

The  Buffalo Niagara Transportation Committee first proposed the idea of 
relocating  the Falls train station in 1987. Since then, city officials have been 
slowly  working to garner state and federal support for the project. 

In  February, Schumer called on representatives from the FHWA to expedite the 
 National Environmental Policy Act review to allow the project to finally 
move  forward. Schumer and Slaughter said FHWA is now committed to expediting the 
 necessary reviews and they expect to announce final approval for the project 
 within the coming weeks. Both lawmakers said federal funds are now on target 
to  be released for final design and engineering renderings for the 
restoration of  the landmark U.S. Customs House, an 1863 structure that is listed on 
the  National Register of Historic Places. 

“Tourism generated by this  awe-inspiring natural world wonder is essential 
to the region’s financial growth  and job creation,” Slaughter said. “Over 15 
million people travel to Niagara  Falls every year and I am pleased that we 
finally will be able to get started on  this critical project.”



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End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #1707
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The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing
railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org